Kawasaki Zx-14r
KAWASAKI ZX-14R
LOnG-TERM
WRAP-UP
Nick Ienatsch
Kawasaki: "We want the 14R to be the fastest, hardest-accelerating production bike in the world." CW: "Yeah, we need one for our long-term fleet, please." Every CW staffer considered buying this bike and not just because of its amazing engine. Kawasaki's integration of traction control and alternative power modes gave testers of all experience levels a good chance of tapping the bike's potential, but it was the 14R'S livable ergonomics, calming stability, and impressive chassis that made our 10,000 miles flash by.
And that flash was hell on tires! Avon 3D Ultra Supersports $474.10 took over from the thrashed stock Metzelers at 2,900 miles and generated praise. Senior Motorsports Editor Matthew Miles noted: "These new Avons offer excellent steering characteristics and warm up quickly. I will be interested to see if this tricompound rear tire is as longlasting as Avon would have us believe." That answer came 4,225 miles later when we spooned on a fresh set of Bridgestone Battlax S20S ($464.03).
The ZX-14's only repair was needed at around 7,800 miles. To cure increasing vibration from warped front brake discs (casualties of a trackday), we replaced the stock pieces with Galfer Brake Wave rotors ($640) and sintered HH brake pads ($143.92). Another staffer, Don Canet, noted annoying braking noise but also praised the better feel and power. Aside from tires, the only additional expense in the first 8,000 miles was $345-69 in parts and labor for the bike's 7,500-mile service, which included new spark plugs and an oil change.
At 8,400 miles, the stock R ran an effortless 9.76 seconds at 149 mph at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's dragstrip, a run that served as a baseline prior to a salvo of modifications. Quick as the 14R is in stock trim, the burning question was how quick it could go while still being streetable.
We passed on the Brock's Performance freer-flowing Alien Head 2 exhaust, opting instead for the more civil Quiet Kore full system. The pipe is included in Brock's 2012 ZX-14R Drag Racing Package ($1,795), which included clutch springs and spacers, adjustable shock links to quickly (10 minutes!) change rear ride height, a bolt-on strap to collapse the front end, an adjustablelength sidestand, plus a Dynojet Power Commander V and Guhl ECU reflash.
Dynojet boss Dusty Schaller installed the kit in an afternoon, adding a Dynojet quickshifter ($276) and poured in Alisyn zero-weight synthetic oil (four quarts for $41.59). All told, engine performance on the CW dyno jumped from 189 rear-wheel horsepower to 203, while torque increased from 111 pound-feet to 116. Impressive, especially combined with the stock chassis and electronics Kawasaki put together.
MEAT EATER: Having endured the burnout trough at the track and plenty of straight-line frenzy on the street, the Bridgestone rear still managed nearly 3,000 miles of service.
2012 KAWASAKI
ZX-14R
$14,699
FROM THE LOG BOOK
NICK IENATSCH
-> The 14R's tool kit has no wrench to remove the front axle. That's it for my criticism. Considering the abysmal fuel mileage and high tire bill the cost of horsepower, well, you've got to pay if you want to play. No bike plays as effortlessly as this 14, but be sure your skills are sharp.
BLAKE CONNER
-> This bike's acceleration is still amazing to me. Sometimes I turn off the KTRC just so I can get the full effect of its anger. Low, driving power wheelies are a blast especially with KTRC off, which keeps the wheelie control from putting a kibosh on the fun.
DON CANET
-> A ride over the Ortega Highway spoke volumes. It's a shame the Brock's adjustable links don't facilitate stock ride height. As such, our bike steered as heavy as a truck. This, combined with reduced cornering clearance, greatly detracted from the 14R's twisty back-road appeal. You can't always have it all.
As our ZX-i4R's odometer clicked 9,000, an impressive bike impressed even more by firing through the traps in 8.99 seconds at just over 155 mph.
The only compromise in road manners this street/strip weapon exhibits is related to the lowering links. Even when set to their maximum rideheight position, they left the bike resting a full inch lower than stock. Hard launches and tire-scorching acceleration get under your skin, max cornering capability be damned.
Although we'll miss our Green Godzilla, our driver's licenses just breathed a collective sigh of relief.
REPORT CARD
Kawasaki ZX-14R owner feedback from Cycle World's Facebook fans.
"Smooth and gentle below a quarter throttle. Corners as well as your skill level permits (zero chicken strips here). But rap the throttle past a quarter and you will set your hair on fire. Power wheelies are commonplace in first, second, and third. The traction control does its job. But the best is that the power is comfortable and linear."
-Bruce Butler Holly Springs, NC
"I bought a 2013 in September with the goal of turning it into a radical sport-tourer. Riding it around the mountains of San Diego really exercises my shoulders, but open roads and highways are amazing. I'm glad I bought this over a BMW K1300RS, which was heavier, especially up top."
-Dan DeClerck San Diego, CA
"Fastest straight-line bike I've ever built (including a 'Busa). Muzzy aluminum fans and Engine Ice to keep her cool (runs a tad hot from factory). Full Brock's drag pipe and Power Commandertuned with modified Brock's map. Stupid fast but does not turn! Overall, it's a solid machine."
-Casey Taylor Rosharon, TX
"I completely love my 2012 SE. I ride on the street and dragrace it stretched and lowered with two stages of nitrous for 270plus horsepower at the wheel. I weigh 260 pounds, not your average horse jockey, but have run a best of 8.73 seconds at 162 mph. I have the top-end power of turbo bike but the controllable power off the line of a naturally aspirated bike."
-Tom Luke South Beloit, IL
"Absolutely love my 2012 ZX14R. I drove halfway across the country to get it. Been riding for 18 years, and it's by far the bestest, fastest, sexiest, scariest, smoothest...and probably a few more 'ests' I haven't found yet!"
Mark Miner Mattoon, IL
